New to chickens and have a question.

[kolson17]

Hi all,

My name is Kyla and I live in Alberta Canada. Just received some new chickens last night 2 are 12 weeks old and 10 are 8 weeks old.


Is it normal that they are so scared?

As soon as I open the coop door they run scared to a corner and wont come out.

Are they just getting use to the new home?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Thomas127]

Yes it's quite normal give them a few days and they should settle down. To help you could try hand feeding them corn it should make them trust you more

 

[ronmauldin]

Welcome from the Ocean State!

X2 what Thomas said.

 

[Rocky Rhodes]

Welcome from Georgia!!! It is normal for chicks to be scared at first, but the more you interact with them the more tame they will become.

 

[Judy]

Try laying your hand in there, palm up, with a bit of food on it, and let them check you out on their own time. They need to learn you are a bringer of food, not a predator, which is what their instincts tell them.

Here is an article about taming them:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-socialize-baby-chickens

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC! Thomas and Judy have given you some good advice. What kind of chickens do you have?

 

[petrel]

Welcome! I agree with the others: the way to a chicken's heart is through its stomach. Before long they will be mugging you for treats.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Definitely...Give them time to adjust to their new home. Go sit with them on their level on the coop floor or run. Bring some goodies and lay some all around you. Hold out your hand with treats. Let them come to you on their terms over time. Move slowly around them and don't try to catch them or handle them. Go sit with them every day for 20 mins a day or more. They will calm down once they learn that you are not going to hurt them but you are a positive thing in their lives. Food is a HUGE motivator for bonding. If you bring a tiny treat each time you come to see them, they will quickly learn to love you to the point of stalking you . LOL

Good luck with your new flock and welcome to ours!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your new chicks, you've gotten some good advice above on helping them become friendly.

 

[kolson17]

Thank you all for your advice! They are already way more social today.